The Feel of Acoustic Drums Without the Noise

Are you looking for a kit that combines the sonic possibilities of an electronic module with the natural feel and playing style of acoustic drums? The Alesis DM10 Studio kit could be a good fit. Alesis has revamped their classic DM5 module to produce the DM10 Studio -- an electronic drum kit that feels as good as it sounds.

Natural-Feeling Electronic Drums

Responding to the feedback of their users, Alesis developed the RealHead drum pad for the DM10 line, which was engineered for the most natural playing feel ever. The Alesis DM10 Studio Kit is also outfitted with unique mylar heads that respond like acoustic drums. The drum hoops are triple flanged steel and tension adjustable, which allows you to dial in the precise feel you want from each individual pad for outstanding responsiveness through the entire set. Likewise, the low-noise DMPad Cymbals offer an improved electronic experience. Mounted like traditional free swinging cymbals, these cymbals feature three distinct sounds that play depending on where the cymbal is struck -- on the bell, plate or edge. The ride and crash cymbals even feature a choke ability, which allows players to silence the cymbals the way they would with an acoustic set.

Unlimited Sound Potential

The Alesis DM10's sound-set is comprised of real drum, cymbal and other percussion sounds from genuine samples of classic studio instruments. Whether you're after the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands, an array of real cymbals, or even classic drum machine and electronic percussion sounds, this module's got you covered. The sound module itself features over 1,000 highly detailed, customizable sounds. If that wasn't enough, Alesis has added over 40 different sound options and a simple USB connection and interface that allow for even more tonal customization and programmable effects.

Known for their commitment to excellence and quality control, Alesis has delivered again with this dependable electronic kit. The Alesis DM10 Studio Kit is versatile and churns out a high-quality sound with options and features that any manufacturer would be hard-pressed to match.

DM10 Module

You will immediately notice the DM10 module's outstanding sound quality. This drum sound module contains true drum, cymbal and percussion sounds, built from real samples of classic studio drums and prized cymbals. Drummers will find some of the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands, a huge arsenal of top producers' go-to snare drums, real American, Canadian, Chinese, and Turkish cymbals, and a choice selection of classic drum machine and electronic percussion sounds that have fueled the biggest hit records.

Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation(TM), an Alesis exclusive. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. For example, a hi-hat's sound depends on a number of factors: how open or closed the pedal is, how hard it is struck, and other variables resulting in 40 different sounds - plus foot chick and heel splash.

The DM10 module not only has a breathtaking collection of sounds on-board, it is also the world's first drum-sound module that enables you to load sound sets via USB connection from your computer. This means that your sounds will always stay fresh, current and cutting edge.

You can also use the DM10 as a trigger-to-MIDI interface for performing and tracking with software drum modules such as BFD, Toontrack and Reason, among others. For practice, you can play along with the tracks in the DM10's internal sequencer, mix in an iPod or other MP3 player and play along.

RealHead Drums Pads

The DM10 Studio Kit features Alesis' acoustic-feeling RealHead pads in 10" and 8" sizes. The dual-zone pads feature real mylar drumheads and real triple-flanged counterhoops for the feel you demand. The snare and tom pads are dual zone, enabling you to perform rimshots, rim clicks or assign other sounds such as wind chimes, cymbals, gongs and cowbells on the tom rims.

You can use virtually any single or double kick pedal with the RealHead Kick Pad, or split the DM10's kick input with a Y-cable and connect an optional second kick pad for the pedal feel you prefer.

DMPad Cymbals

The DM10 Studio Kit includes a set of four low-noise DMPad Cymbals. The kit includes a DMPad Hi-Hat Cymbal, two DMPad Crash Cymbals, and a triple-zone DMPad Ride Cymbal. DMPad Cymbals provide a rubberized playing surface for a great balance between natural cymbal feel and low stick-on-pad sound. The Ride and one Crash cymbal feature large choke triggers on the undersides for accurate cymbal control. The DMPad Ride also features multi-zone triggering on the bell, face and edge. The DMPad Hi-Hat Cymbal and RealHat Pedal give you continuously variable control from wide open to tightly closed.

StageRack

The StageRack is the backbone of the DM10 Studio Kit. With its rugged four-post design and industry standard 1 1/2" tubing, the StageRack provides supreme stability under the most serious drumming duress. The StageRack's clamps, mounts, and integrated boom cymbal arms are all fully adjustable with plenty of flexibility to securely fasten your drums, cymbals, and module exactly where you want. You won't need tools to make most adjustments so you can spend less time setting up and more time rocking out. Large enough to easily accommodate additional drums and cymbals - even acoustic drum, cymbal, and percussion instruments - the StageRack still takes up only a fraction of the space of an acoustic kit.

The DM10 Studio Kit gives you more - more drums, more cymbals, more sounds, more flexibility, and more value - to power your creativity.

BFD is a trademark of FXpansion Audio UK Ltd.
Toontrack is a registered trademark of Toontrack.
Reason is a trademark of Propellerhead Software AB.
iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"YYZ"

Sound:
The sound is what really surprised me the most with this set. Other that the lack of/poor quality on the snare rim sounds, everything else is pretty top notch. I have not owned a Roland but have played every model extensively. Only for comparative reasons (Roland being the standard of electronic kits, Im not Roland bashing here) I would never purchase one knowing that this exists for WAY!!!!! less than the price of a comparable Roland. Or Yamaha for that matter. The Mylar heads are a bit loud but knowing this I had a set of mesh heads on order the minute i ordered this. Sounds are about as good as it gets in an electronic kit.
Feature:
Again, using price as standard, this is by far the best value around. A six piece set, all dual or triple zone ( except kick, but come on ) and two crash cymbals. Nothing comes close. Module is top notch. My only gripe/recommendation is to offer this with mesh head upgrades. Mylar is a good idea but is too loud. Isn't the ability to play while the kids/neighbors are in bed the reason you're considering this? ( just for clarity, the mylar is about the equivalent to banging on a hardback textbook. that seems to be a big question regarding this kit.)
Ease of Use:
If you have any experience with Alesis products ( drum machines etc..) this will be pretty simple. The interface takes time to learn but is absolutely worth it considering EVERYTHING, and I do mean everything, can be adjusted. It is pretty time consuming setting up all your custom kits but hey, it only has to be done once and you'll be playing a great sounding kit.
Quality:
Nothing is perfect. The rack seems well built, however the clamps are plastic and probably wont stand up to many teardowns/setups. I see this being an issue in the future and they will probably need to be replaced. If your plan is to set this up and leave it where it sits, your kids will be playing this set during your eulogy. The pads are tight and solid. The module, again, is great. I think it will last a while.
Value:
If this set suits your needs, get it. You won't find anything even close in value. The sounds, the construction and the interface are great. The pads feel as close as you can get to acoustic. The mesh upgrade is a must ( Billy Blast 3 ply. Cost me 116 dollars shipped for all pads ) but that is something I am more than happy to deal with. I have played 30+ sets in the last six months and I wouldn't consider any of them knowing what I know now. GET IT.
Manufacturer Support:
DONT SKIP THIS. VERY IMPORTANT
Ok here is what is great. Minus Alesis keeping me on hold for about 15 minutes per call, They were very helpful. My kit came with a bad module originally. Kept freezing up. I upgraded the software (very easy to do BTW)and reset the module to factory. Alesis gave me the option of either shipping it back to them for a replacement module (at their cost of course) or sending my set back to Zzounds. I opted to go with Zzounds, they ship extremely fast and I was ready to have a set to play. Zzounds paid return shipping and shipped me out a spankin' new set for free ( and I know the shipping on this thing isn't cheap). By far the best customer service around. Alesis support staff know the products well and were very helpful too.
The Wow Factor:
Looks good. But thats not what matters right?? The sound is phenomenal. I have ran this through a Hartke bass amp ( I know, weird )for recording and the sound is very realistic. Of course, other brands might sound a little better, but not enough to pay a dollar more than this. Once again, if this suits you, GET IT. You always have the 30 day test drive.
Overall:
Being that you can expand and expand with this module, I don't think ill be searching for a long, long time. I think in all this will support about 22 different triggers. The possibilities!!! I am very happy with it.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me. Joeydefore@yahoo.com - Ill be happy to answer any questions.

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"Great Sound / Great Value / Great Customer support"

Overall:
This kit was purchased to be used entirely for silent band practices via the JamHub Green Room (which I also can't say enough great things about). I held off writing a review for several months to get a good sense of how well it held up beyond the initial wow factor.
1. Best value out there!! For everything it comes with, I defy anyone to find a better value new.
2. Sounds Amazing! I play a 4 piece maple gretsch kit with Zildjian A customs (2 crashes and a china) live and I can almost identically replicate the kit with the drum module. The sampled sounds are top notch. The preloaded kits are unbelievable, but I was really pleased to be able to custom create a kit to match my own.
3. Ease out of box - set up was easy. MAKE SURE FIRST THING - go and update the firmware. All previous complaints discussed online regarded crosstalk and were resolved with firmware update. That being done, I have had no issues.
4. Quality - The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because after 2 months of playing once weekly for 2.5 hrs, the snare pad mylar head tore and pad cracked. I am a rimshot player and definitely NOT a hard hitter, so I was a bit disappointed. HOWEVER...
5. CUSTOMER SERVICE - one quick phone call to Alesis and they are sending me warranty return instructions and I am getting a new pad. CONGRATULATIONS ON PERFECT CUSTOMER SERVICE ALESIS!
In summary, this kit is amazing for the value. You get tons of sampled kits (from World to vintage) and the playability is perfect for studio use. I would not recommend this kit for gigging. If you have considered purchasing a JamHub and need an electronic kit - you will not be disappointed.

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